I have travel to Egypt a couple of times and would like to visit some of the lesser-known archaeological sites in Middle Egypt, specifically Minya and Tell el-Amarna while being aware that according to many people the ruins are not that special.
Has anybody been there recently been in the region? I am somewhat concerned with the security measures, as I understand that police escorts are sometimes forced by the local authorities. Is it advisable to travel by train and take a taxi to the archaeological sites in the vicinity of the city? Police escorts are required yes - I couldn't even leave our Sohag hotel to go across to a corner-shop, without the hotel Tourist policeman stopping me to ask where I was going!
We drove over 5 nights from Luxor to Cairo and had a Police escort from Sohag northwards. But in Minya, and Fayeum I wandered out if the hotel without being stopped, but the Tourist Police escort was waiting outside each morning. They did act more as navigators than armed guards though and were certainly needed in that guise.
This was all before the troubles of course But only just - the next month the riots started where we had been. Another option might be the long- cruise from Cairo- Luxor - one of TA's members is currently on it tripadvisor. Jakko, to visit and see the sites in that area of Egypt would be very interesting and has been something I have hoped to do for a long time.
One thing that you should check out is if your travel insurance will cover you if you go into this area of Egypt. The area of Middle Egypt has travel advisories by many countries advising their citizens not to travel there.
